Well, at least you know that you *can* do it.
What kind of yarn are you using? I have found that 100% cotton yarn has very little "give" to it. I used it the first time I tried knitting and gave up because it kept getting too tight also. I am pretty much a beginner knitter too, so I have no idea if anything else could be causing that.
As for your question abut crochet, I have never tried it, but my mom says knitting was easier for her to learn but that once you get the hang of crochet, it goes a lot faster than knitting.
Good luck and don't give up!